Use of an inverse method on the determination of the evolution of a self-blown electric arc in the air

An inverse method for studying the dynamic behavior of a low-voltage arc column is presented. A small number of microcoils are placed at suitably chosen points. The measured inductions are recorded during the whole arc life, and the evolution curves of the position of the anodic and cathodic roots, as well as those of the arc column gradient, assumed to be threadlike, can be obtained analytically. From such results it is easy to define the speed and acceleration of the anodic and cathodic roots, allowing the column behavior to be defined during the entire blowing phase. Moreover, the geometry of the breaking device is the only factor that must be taken into account